Dear Parents/Guardians:
Since our last communication on Saturday, January 9th, the District was informed of seven individuals who tested positive for COVID-19:
- Two remote high school students – These students are fully remote and have not been physically present on campus.
- Two remote elementary students – These students are fully remote and have not been physically present on campus.
- One elementary student – The individual has not been present at school since December 22, 2020.
- One elementary student – The individual was last in school on Tuesday, January 5th.
- A bus driver who is not a district employee but did have contact with some students.
Per our health and safety protocols, the District has been in communication with the Columbia County Department of Health to conduct contact tracing as required and identify any contacts who need to be quarantined. Impacted staff members and families were contacted directly and told to quarantine as a precaution. If you were not contacted by a District or DOH representative there is no further action needed on your part.
I would like to note that these cases are unrelated and are results of community spread outside of school. Please be reminded of the role we all play in maintaining a safe and healthy in-person learning environment for students and staff. We ask that families continue to follow all safety guidelines outside of school hours including proper use of face coverings, social distancing, proper hand hygiene, and avoiding gatherings and travel outside of New York State. We also remind you to please check your child’s temperature prior to sending them to school and to keep them home if they are not feeling well. Anyone with questions or who needs to report a COVID-19 related health issue should contact their child’s principal or school nurse.
I understand that you may want additional details, however privacy laws restrict us from disclosing or confirming any personally identifiable information. I appreciate your understanding regarding this sensitive matter. If you have other questions or need assistance, please contact the main office of your child’s school or your child’s principal. Thank you all for your patience and cooperation.
Sincerely,
Dr. Maria Lagana Suttmeier, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools